ATRX loss in glioneuronal tumors with neuropil-like islands indicates similarity to diffuse astrocytic tumors

Neuropil-like islands are a possible pathogenetic link between glioblastoma and gangliocytoma/ganglioglioma in a case of synchronous bilateral brain tumors

Neuropil-like islands (NIs) are a histologic hallmark of glioneuronal tumors with neuropil-like islands (GTNIs), but GTNIs are presently not considered a homogeneous entity. The essence of GTNI is likely its glial component, and NIs are now considered aberrant neuronal differentiation or metaplasia. The case we report herein is a 41-year-old woman who was synchronously affected by two brain tumors: one was a glioblastoma (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM), of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild type, with NIs in the left parietal lobe, and the other was histologically a composite gangliocytoma (GC)/anaplastic ganglioglioma (GG) with NIs in the right medial temporal lobe. While both tumors were genetically wild type for IDH, histone H3, and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), the former tumor, but not the latter, was mutated for telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter gene (TERT). A recent systematic study using DNA methylation profiling and next-generation sequencing showed that anaplastic GG separate into other WHO tumor types, including IDH-wild-type GBM. It suggested a diagnostic scheme where an anaplastic GG is likely an IDH-wild-type GBM if it is a BRAF wild type, IDH wild type, and TERT promoter mutant tumor. The likely scenario in this patient is that the GBM results from the progression of GC/anaplastic GG due to the superimposed TERT promoter mutation and the propagation of newly generated GBM cells in the contralateral hemisphere. A systematic analysis using DNA methylation profiling and next-generation sequencing was not available in this study, but the common presence of NIs histologically noted in the two tumors could support this scenario. Although a sufficient volume of molecular and genetic testing is sine qua non for the accurate understanding of brain tumors, the importance of histologic observation cannot be overemphasized.

Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands in the spinal cord: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is a distinctive neoplasm located in the cerebrum. Moreover, spinal GTNI is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of spinal GTNI and review the related literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 38-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital with a 6-month history of neck pain and a 1-month history of dizziness.

DIAGNOSES

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intramedullary mass spanning the length of the spinal cord from C1 to C4. Microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations of the tumor tissue revealed findings typical of GTNI.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent C1 to C4 intraspinal gross tumor resection.

OUTCOMES

Follow-up results showed that the patient had no recurrence 6 months after tumor resection.

LESSONS

GTNI in the spinal cord is a highly rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists should differentiate GTNI from other benign glioneuronal tumors, and long-term follow-up of patients with spinal GTNI is necessary.